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Ricaniid Plant Hopper

Ricania speculum

Photo by John B.
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

Hemiptera; Ricaniidae; Ricania speculum Walker, 1851. "These planthoppers have dark brown wings with central wavy horizontal bands and irregular transparent patches of different sizes. The precostal area of the forewings shows dense transverse veinlets and the costal margin is distinctly convex near the base." Wikipedia.

Habitat:

This Hopper was spotted on a small unidentified bush growing wild in our backyard. I have no idea what kind of tree or bush this plant is, but my wife and I liked the look of it and let it continue to grow. If I can identify it later, I will revise this to include the name.

Notes:

I have many pictures of Ricania speculum, going back some time. This species usually shows up when we have a good vegetable crop. So I think it might be useful to publish some spottings to include those. So that I can have a record of the crops it targets.

Reference Links:

Ricania speculum (Walker 1851)-Encyclopedia of Life, Ricania speculum - Wikipedia, Black Planthopper (Ricania speculum) · iNaturalist NZ

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
thewndrr
This is true, sorry for commenting, but I do also believe that the world we live in is the world we change by choice through our individual actions. By accepting the world as it is, nothing changes.
SukanyaDatta
Yes indeed...in my twilight years I also do not have that much spare energy...to each generation thetefore...the world they choose to inhabit.
John B.
Good Evening SukanyaDatta, thank you for your latest message. I have now deleted my comment from your Waterhen spotting. Yes, I too have noticed a certain erosion of values over the years, it sometimes saddens me. However, we have to leave the future to the youth of today to shape the world they want to live in. We can try to set an example, but it doesn't always work. So they must find their own way forward and we can only wish them well. Regards, John B.
SukanyaDatta
Dear John B, you amaze me with your thoughtfulness, courtesy and mindful interactions. Yes, if you like you may delete that comment...i am sorry I let so much time go by before completing the comment...my apologies...thank you so much...your interactions remind me of all that I was taught in school...values that I find are much eroded...
John B.
Thank you SukanyaDatta, now I have your message on my page. As I said , it is always nice to hear from you. By the way, do you want me to delete my message on your White Breasted Waterhen page, since it really has nothing to do with that spotting ? John B.
SukanyaDatta
The first shot is so alien looking that the Star Trek guys may happily magnify it to use as a model for lifeforms on alien planets. I never cease marvelling at the diversity we have on Earth and am so appreciative of all who share on PN. Thank you, John B.
Photographed
PublishedJuly 4, 2022

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